Inspector George Gently

Inspector George Gently, often simply referred to as George Gently, is a British television crime drama series produced by Company Pictures. The series, which was first broadcasted in 2008, was adapted from the "Inspector Gently" novels penned by the acclaimed author Alan Hunter.

Set amidst the socio-political milieu of the 1960s, the show ceaselessly illustrates the cultural shift and ideological transformations of this turbulent era in history. While Hunter wrote many novels centering around the character of George Gently, the show isn't just a linear adaptation. Each episode typically stands on its own as a separate mystery, but they are all strung together through character narratives, their evolving relationships, and the overall backdrop of the 1960s era.

The titular character, Inspector George Gently, portrayed with remarkable depth by Martin Shaw, is a seasoned, principled detective from London Metropolitan police. When his wife is brutally murdered, Gently takes premature retirement. However, in an unusual twist of fate, he is drawn back into service when he resolves to hunt down his wife's killer who reportedly appeared in North East England.

On arrival, Gently realizes that the world of crime has shifted. It's not just the simple good versus evil scenario that he was used to dealing with in London. Instead, he is confronted by a landscape where lines between the law and criminals, love and hate, revenge and justice, ethics and corruption, are increasingly blurred. The archetypal calm and collected demeanor of Gently are juxtaposed with his fierce dedication to the truth and justice, making him a captivating focus of the series.

The show also introduces us to the hot-headed, ambitious Detective Sergeant John Bacchus, compellingly played by Lee Ingleby. Bacchus provides the counterpoint to Gently's character – brash, quick-tempered, and not so principled. He struggles with the new wave of liberal thinking that challenges his traditional values. The dynamic interplay between Gently and Bacchus functions as the show’s heart. They form an improbable partnership – one, a moral compass, guiding with wisdom, the other, a maverick detective, always keen on cutting corners. Over time, their relationship evolves from mere professional colleagues to something that mirrors a mentor-protege bond.

The series is well-known for its evocative portrayal of the 1960s, with detailed attention paid to the costumes, cars, and music of the era. This attention to setting and environment creates a very authentic and immersive view into the period, allowing viewers an almost vicarious experience of the times, adding a whole new layer to the storytelling. The series effectively uses the backdrop of the 60s to probe into contentious topics of those times like gender equality, class warfare, and racial discrimination.

Another notable aspect of Inspector George Gently is the performances of its ensemble cast, Martin Shaw and Lee Ingleby in particular. Their spot-on deliveries lend depth and authenticity to their complex characters, endearing them to viewers and forging an emotional connection that keeps the audience invested in their journey. The series also boasts of guest appearances by renowned actors who contribute to the tapestry of intricate plots and subplots.

The narrative and character development of Inspector George Gently occurs not just through the scripts but also thanks to the skillful direction that infuses each scene with a tension-filled, gripping ambiance. However, the show never strays from its main premise – delivering complex, layered crime mysteries set in the swinging sixties. Each episode is packed with twist-filled, intriguing plotlines that keep the viewers guessing until the end.

To sum up, Inspector George Gently is a well-executed detective series that not only satisfies crime genre enthusiasts but also provides a thought-provoking study of societal changes during the 1960s. Its captivating narratives, engrossing performances, character development and accurate depiction of its period setting make it a TV series that continues to maintain its popularity.